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Saturday, March 6, 2010

Ear Infections in Dogs

If you have ever suffered from an inner ear infection then you understand the pain and discomfort that it can cause. Thankfully, people can communicate their agony and contact a doctor for help. Unfortunately, a dog cannot do the same. Therefore, it is strictly up to the pet's owner to identify the discomfort from an ear infection and take the animal to the vet for treatment.

A middle or inner ear infection is a condition that needs to be given attention and treated promptly. If left untreated for a lengthy amount of time, the condition can worsen. It is extremely important to take notice of any signs that your dog exhibits that may indicate a problem with the ear.

There are several different indicators that may lead one to suspect that a dog is experiencing pain from an ear infection. Many dogs will shake their heads in attempt to knock out the agony. Others may scratch at their heads and ears to try to comfort them. In extreme cases, you may even notice a discharge coming from the ear or the head may appear swollen and inflamed. The ear may even have a bad odor from the infection build-up inside of it.

When a dog has a middle or inner ear infection, it is usually caused from an problem that began outside of the ear and progressed inward. For this reason, it is critical to quickly treat any types of infections that are visible on the outer ear. These infections can be contributed to ear mites, poor hygiene, allergies, or filthy living conditions. Most ear infections in dogs are not bacterial as those found in humans.

Dogs with ears that flop over are especially susceptible to getting infections of the ear. If you own a pet, such as a cocker spaniel, that has floppy ears, it is important to keep the ears properly groomed. During each cleaning, check the dog's ears for any signs of infections. You will also want to carefully clip the hairs around the inner ear to prevent debris from becoming trapped.

If you believe that your canine may have an infection in his ear, you should contact your vet. The doctor will give the dog an otoscopic exam to confirm the problem. An x-ray of the dog's head may also be needed. In some cases, the dog may need to be sedated in order for the doctor to give a thorough exam and flush the ear.

Most vets will treat an ear infection in a dog with a form of oral antibiotic. In some cases, a cream or ointment that is either antibiotic or anti-fungal will also be prescribed. It is typically suggested that you put drops in the dog's ear to control the discomfort. It is extremely important to clean the ear before applying medicines. Ear mites will also need to be treated if present.

Ear infections can lead to very serious conditions if left untreated. In some cases, these conditions call for treatment though surgery. To prevent your pet from getting an ear infection, keep the pet properly groomed and treat ear mites as soon as they are noticed. If you feel that your pet may have an ear infection, contact your vet as soon as possible.

1 comment:

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